Letters to editor: Sept. 6

Did any other reader take a second look at the front-page banner headline of Tuesday, Aug. 27: "U.S. action against Syria seems likely; Kerry condemns Assad's use of chemical weapons."

Just below this story is the report, "Ruling clears way to mine mountain; Regulators need not consider effect on residents' health."

In this second news item, the Army Corps of Engineers does not have to consider the health impact caused by surface mining for coal on 756 acres of mountain on the Perry-Knott county line and burying 3.5 miles of streams.

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That is the case although, the story reported, people who live near surface mines are more likely to suffer from cancer, heart disease, birth defects and other health problems.

Is this hypocrisy, or what?

Alice Hills

Lexington

No politico for judge

State Sen. Kathy Stein is a career politician and a well-known ally of the governor. The person selected for the position of Fayette family court judge should be someone who is right for the job based upon their credentials, not just a legislator or a friend of the governor.

This position is critical to families and children in Fayette County, dealing with a variety of scenarios. The person appointed to the position should be someone who has experience with family law and practices in family court.

I know through personal experience with family court that knowledge of the laws and experience with the court system count when choosing a judge. Does a career politician have that experience? I say no.

Ashley Boggs Bruggeman

Lexington

Historic date ignored

I didn't see a single line in your paper commenting on VJ Day.

I did see a whole week of articles about a recent social march, but not a single word about a day that has changed the world — hopefully for the better.

Stephen Stinson

Lexington

Right choice

Regarding New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie choosing to have a date with his wife versus a date with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul: I would prefer a date with a dead horse over a date with Paul.

Steve Stahlman

Lexington

Pass him a Bible

This is in response to an Aug. 24 letter, "Tell Bible horror stories:" When the letter writer tells a Bible story, he should tell the complete story.

For instance, in Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to offer his son, but Abraham and Isaac had a choice.

If Isaac didn't want to do what he allowed his father to do, could he not have fought or run away?

God also stopped Abraham from killing his son, commended him for his willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice and gave Abraham a blessing. Why didn't the letter writer mention any of that?

This act also foreshadowed God's act of offering his son, Jesus, for the sake of all mankind.

So yes, people need Bibles so they do not have to depend on other people to tell them what it contains. Don't you agree?

Aquilla White

Lexington

Rejecting responsibility

There are several ironies in the current debate about the Affordable Care Act. Insurance exchanges facilitate price competition between insurance companies in the individual insurance market. They also make it easier for consumers to make more rational choices about their health insurance purchases.

Sen. Mitch McConnell wants to rip up the law by "root and branch," even though much of it is consistent with the market principles he espouses.

In addition, McConnell's unqualified opposition to the law places him against the individual mandate.This provision aims to reduce the number of people who gamble that they won't be hurt or get very sick.

These same people, however, rely upon government outlays and a hidden tax on those who buy insurance, to cover them when they need treatment.

When Mitt Romney passed his law in Massachusetts it was characterized as fostering individual responsibility.

There are some areas where the law could be improved by amendment. This is a normal process, as legislation such as Medicare has needed ongoing adjustment.

McConnell, perhaps inadvertently, by his total opposition to the law, opposes economic competition and informed consumer choice. He also aligns himself with ongoing individual irresponsibility.